Hiring good workers in the construction trades is tough these days. A lot of younger people don’t want to work in construction, and many of the best workers are already taken. But if you are a small contractor, don’t worry! There are ways to find and keep great employees who will help your business grow. In this article, we will go over simple steps to attract, hire, and keep the best workers for your team.

Why Good Employees Are Hard to Find

Many young people today are choosing office jobs over construction work. They like the idea of working from home, having flexible hours, and not getting dirty. But the construction industry offers great benefits too—good pay, valuable skills, and the satisfaction of building something real. The key to hiring good workers is showing them why your job is better than an office job.

How to Attract Good Workers

If you want the best employees, you have to offer things that make the job attractive. Here are some ideas:

1. Pay a Competitive Wage – If you don’t pay enough, workers will go somewhere else. Look at what other contractors are paying and offer at least the same, if not more.

2. Offer Good Benefits – Employees today want more than just a paycheck. Health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave make a big difference. If you can’t afford expensive benefits, consider profit-sharing, where workers get a share of the company’s earnings.

3. Give Steady Hours – Many workers leave construction because they don’t like unpredictable hours. Try to give steady schedules whenever possible.

4. Provide Training – Many people would like to work in construction but don’t know how. Offer training to help new workers learn the skills they need.

5. Create a Positive Work Culture – No one wants to work where they are treated poorly. Make sure your job site is welcoming, fair, and free from discrimination or harassment.

Where to Find Good Employees

Finding good workers takes effort. Here are some of the best ways to find them:

1. Ask Your Current Workers – Your best employees may know other good workers. Offer a bonus if they refer someone who stays with the company for a certain time.

2. Work with Trade Schools – Many young people go to trade schools to learn construction skills. Partnering with these schools can help you find eager, trained workers.

3. Use Online Job Boards – Websites like Indeed, Craigslist, and LinkedIn can help you find workers. There are also job boards specifically for the construction industry.

4. Go to Job Fairs – Local job fairs are a great place to meet people who are looking for work. Bring information about your company and be ready to talk about why working for you is a great opportunity.

5. Join Local Unions or Trade Groups – If you are a union contractor, unions can help you find skilled workers. Trade groups may also have job postings or networking events.

What to Look for in a Good Employee

When hiring, you want to find someone who will work hard, show up on time, and be a team player. Here are the top things to look for in a good worker:

1. Reliability – A good worker shows up on time every day and does their job well.

2. Willingness to Learn – Skills can be taught, but attitude is harder to change. Look for workers who are eager to learn new things.

3. Teamwork – Construction is a team effort. Find people who get along well with others.

4. Work Ethic – Good workers don’t cut corners. They take pride in doing a good job.

5. Safety Awareness – Construction work can be dangerous. Workers who follow safety rules help keep everyone safe.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Sometimes, a worker seems great at first but turns out to be a bad fit. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

1. Frequent Job Hopping – If someone has had many jobs in a short time, they may not stick around for long.

2. Poor Communication – If a worker is hard to reach or doesn’t return calls, that’s a bad sign.

3. Negative Attitude – A worker who complains a lot or doesn’t take responsibility for mistakes may cause problems.

4. Unreliable References – If past employers give mixed or bad reviews, think twice before hiring.

5. Carelessness About Safety – If a worker doesn’t follow safety rules in an interview or trial period, they could be a risk on the job.

How to Keep Good Workers

Once you hire great workers, you need to keep them. Here are the best ways to make sure your employees stay with you for a long time:

1. Show Appreciation – A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Recognize hard work and reward good performance.

2. Offer Career Growth – Give workers chances to learn new skills and move up in the company.

3. Create a Safe and Respectful Workplace – Make sure your workers feel safe and valued.

4. Listen to Their Concerns – If an employee has a problem, take it seriously and try to fix it.

5. Avoid Excessive Overtime – Working too many hours leads to burnout. Try to keep schedules fair and reasonable.

6. Provide the Right Tools – Make sure your workers have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Finding and keeping great employees in the construction trades takes effort, but it’s worth it. By offering good pay, benefits, and a positive work environment, you can attract the best workers. Looking for the right qualities and avoiding red flags will help you hire the right people. And by treating your employees well, you can keep them for years to come.

With these tips, small contractors can build a strong, reliable team that will help their business succeed!